Apparel Design and Development AAS

Program Overview

Seattle Central College's Apparel Design & Development AAS program equips students with cutting-edge design skills, industry-standard equipment, and a strong portfolio for a rewarding career in the fashion industry. The program emphasizes real-world experience, preparing graduates for success in design, patternmaking, and production roles. With a dedicated faculty and industry connections, students gain the knowledge and skills to excel in the competitive apparel design field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Apparel Design & Development

The Apparel Design & Development program at Seattle Central College prepares students for a rewarding career in the world of clothing design and manufacturing. The program focuses on:

• Cutting-edge fashion design: Students learn to create the next generation of innovative fashion, using industry-standard equipment and design philosophies.
• Real-world talent: The program draws from the expertise of experienced professionals in the field.
• Portfolio development: Students develop a strong portfolio of their work to showcase their skills to potential employers.
• Industry-standard equipment: Students learn to use industry-standard equipment and design philosophies.
• Six quarters: The program can be completed in six quarters, earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Apparel Design & Development.
• Freelance opportunities: The program prepares students for freelance work in the design field.
• Competitive job placement: The program prepares graduates for quick job placement in a competitive field.

Program Objectives:

• To provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the apparel design and development industry.
• To prepare students for a variety of career opportunities in the field, including design, patternmaking, and production.
• To help students develop a strong portfolio of their work to showcase their skills to potential employers.
• To provide students with the opportunity to work with industry-standard equipment and design philosophies.

Outline:

Course Schedule:

• The program is typically offered in six quarters, with each quarter lasting 10 weeks.
• Students take a variety of courses each quarter, covering topics such as:
• Construction techniques
• Patternmaking
• Apparel manufacturing
• Business practices in fashion
• Design principles
• Fabric science and textiles
• Work experience in apparel design

Individual Modules:

• Construction 1 - Professional Techniques: This course covers professional techniques and methods to construct samples and garments to professional industry standards.
• Construction 2 - Professional Techniques: This course builds on skills from Construction 1 by producing samples and garments using intermediate construction techniques and meeting industry quality standards.
• Construction 3 - Professional Techniques: This course presents techniques and methods using factory processes to construct garments for manufacturing.
• Patternmaking 1 - Flat Pattern and Drafting: This course covers the development of basic production patterns using flat pattern and drafting methods.
• Patternmaking 2 - Draping: This course covers pattern development using draping techniques to generate basic slopers.
• Patternmaking 3 - Design by Flat Patternmaking: This course continues the development of flat pattern and draping techniques from Patternmaking 1 and 2.
• Apparel Manufacturing: This course surveys the apparel manufacturing business cycle, including materials acquisition, production, scheduling, product costing, machine processes, and industry standards.
• Business Practices in Fashion: This course examines aspects of conducting business in the fashion profession, including industry practices, job categories, professional development, and business communications.
• Fashion History: This course surveys key clothing items from major historical periods.
Students gain tools for communicating clothing concepts and understand current fashion trends.
• Design 1 - Principles of Design: This course covers the basic design principles of repetition, rhythm, emphasis, harmony, balance, scale, and proportion as they relate to garment design.
• Design 2 - Fabric Science and Textiles: This course analyzes how fibers, yarns, fabric structure, and finish affect fabric characteristics.
It includes studies of textile history, independent research, and visual presentation.
• Design 3 - Color and Palettes: This course investigates color design trends and application in the apparel market.
Students explore hues, values, and saturation and basic color theory.
• Computer Applications for Apparel Design 1: This course develops Excel, Illustrator, and Photoshop skills for use in the apparel design field.
It includes specification development, technical drawing, and image editing. Students gain proficiency in graphics programs commonly used in industry to produce technical drawings and visual presentations.
• Work Experience in Apparel Design: This course allows students to earn relevant work experience and practical hands-on skills through the completion of an internship in the apparel design and development field.
• Ready-To-Wear Construction: This course focuses on construction methods with a focus on ready-to-wear and tailored garments.
It coordinates with APPRL 211 to execute pattern designs for specific target markets.
• Active Sportswear Construction: This advanced course focuses on industry methods and standards for constructing active, technical sportswear, outerwear, and accessories.
Projects are constructed from patterns designed in APPRL 212. Students employ a variety of methods to produce patterns from blocks, measurements, fashion source material, and line drawings. It coordinates with APPRL 201 to construct pattern designs. Students develop patterns from samples and sketches to industry standards and for functionality. Pattern designs are constructed in APPRL 202. Students produce scaled-up and scaled-down versions of patterns using the shift and grid methods of grading. Students are introduced to using computer-aided technology to size patterns.
• Portfolio and Resume Development: This course surveys job search and interviewing strategies, including the production of a professional portfolio and resume targeted for the apparel design and development industry.
• Design 4 - Print and Pattern: This course focuses on the development of surface designs for fabrics and garment silhouettes.
It focuses on design methodology, textile pattern and print technology, Photoshop techniques, and apparel industry practices.
• Design 5 - Line Design: This course explores elements of designing a line of clothing to industry standards.
Students focus on the development of boards for line presentations and design a clothing line for production in APPRL 270.
• Final Line Design and Development: This capstone course involves producing the line of clothing designed in APPRL 242.
It includes pattern development, materials sourcing, garment construction, and production of technical specifications. Students collaboratively produce the annual fashion portfolio show where final collections and portfolios are on display to industry professionals and the public.

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Formative assessment: This type of assessment occurs throughout the learning process and helps identify areas where students need additional support.
Formative assessments may include quizzes, class discussions, and peer feedback.
• Summative assessment: This type of assessment occurs at the end of a learning unit or course and measures student achievement of learning outcomes.
Summative assessments may include exams, projects, and presentations.
• Portfolio assessment: Students are required to develop a portfolio of their work throughout the program.
The portfolio is assessed at the end of the program to evaluate student progress and achievement of learning outcomes.

Teaching:

The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Discussion: This method is used to encourage students to think critically about the material and to share their ideas with others.
• Demonstration: This method is used to show students how to perform a particular task or skill.
• Hands-on learning: This method allows students to apply what they have learned in class to real-world situations.
• Project-based learning: This method allows students to work on projects that are relevant to their interests and career goals.
The program has a dedicated faculty with extensive experience in the apparel design and development industry. The faculty are committed to providing students with a high-quality education and helping them achieve their career goals.

Careers:

Graduates of the Apparel Design & Development program are prepared for a variety of career opportunities in the field, including:

• Apparel designer
• Apparel product developer
• Fabric and apparel pattern maker
• Fashion designer
• Patternmaker
• Career services: The program offers career services to help students with their job search, including resume writing, interview skills, and job placement assistance.
• Student club: The program has a student club that provides opportunities for students to network with other students and professionals in the field.
• Field trips: The program organizes field trips to local apparel companies and design studios to give students a chance to see the industry in action.